Page 35

AMELIA

Freshly bathed and wearing in a brand-new nightdress, I’m seated across from Tristan as we share a meal.

He’s also freshly bathed and wearing something other than his usual black, form-fitting uniform—a pair of dark blue pants and a white tunic—and I wonder if I’ll ever get used to seeing him dressed so casually.

Darkness has fallen, and fireflies flit by outside the tent. The chorus of nighttime insects swells louder, and so does the trilling of frogs.

It’s been a long day, and I am exhausted, but I’m also eager for the night to come, and I can’t stop stealing glances at the huge bed. The bed I know we’re going to share tonight. Finally.

I take a slow sip of wine as I consider all the events that transpired today.

I discovered Tristan is my fated mate, and I also learned I’m an usshan.

The Summer Court army prevailed over a force of thirty thousand orcs.

I ran into Riley and spent a few hours with her.

I also enjoyed a reunion with my sisters and mother, all of us together at the same time, a reunion that Tristan arranged to take place at my oldest sister’s house.

“Amelia?” My mate’s deep voice washes over me like a balm to my soul. “Are you all right? I sense you’re deep in thought, but I must confess, I’m having difficulty reading all your thoughts.”

I glance at him and swallow hard. “I’m okay.

I’m just thinking about today. I can’t believe my father abandoned my mother, but I’m glad Mama is happily living with my oldest sister, Agatha.

” To my great shock, I learned my father recently fled Sorsston with the last of his money, leaving my mother destitute.

Mama suspects he traveled to Trevos to find his former lover, the widow he impregnated over a decade ago.

I hope Mama and my sisters never hear from him again.

“I know that was a surprising revelation for you, sweet human,” he says, “but your mother does seem content living in your oldest sister’s household. I’m glad you had a happy reunion with them today, and I promise we can come back to visit whenever you’d like.”

“Thank you, Tristan.” I take another sip of wine and push my plate aside. I can’t help but sneak one more glance at the bed.

Are you so eager for me to claim you, sweet human? His voice is a teasing rumble in my mind.

I smirk at him. You’re just as eager as me. Don’t even try to deny it. We can sense one another’s thoughts, remember?

In that case, perhaps we should retire to the bed. His gaze becomes heated, and his nostrils flare wide. I know he’s already detected the slickness that’s gathering between my thighs. He knows I’m aching to be claimed.

“I’ve never done this before,” I blurt.

“I’ll be gentle, sweet human. I won’t hurt you.” He sends me a surge of affection through our bond, and his eyes glimmer in the dimness of the tent.

My breath hitches and I find myself pressing my thighs together as I squirm in the chair. The aching in my nether area is almost too much. Through the bond, I sense the depths of his desire for me, and I know his fully erect cock is pressing against his pants.

Tristan rises to his feet and walks around the table. He helps me out of my chair and grasps my hand. He gazes down at me with a look of such profound affection that it causes emotion to tighten in my throat.

Then he leans down and places his lips at my ear. “Before I claim you, sweet human, I’m finally going to feast on your pussy and feel you shatter on my tongue.”

I gasp at his words, and the aching in my core deepens. I whimper and as I lean into him, I relish the feel of his hugeness pressing against my stomach. He combs his fingers through my hair, places a brief, tender kiss on my lips, then guides me toward the bed.

My heart commences pounding, and I swear I can feel each individual, rapid pulse of my clit.

This is it , I think as I stare at the bed. I’m about to become Tristan’s mate. Well, technically I’m already his fated mate, whether we consummate the union or not, but once we join our bodies, it’s my understanding that the bond we share will deepen.

Yes, sweet human, this is it. His voice echoes in my mind. I hope you’re ready.

He lifts me in his arms and carries me the remainder of the way, depositing me in the center of the bed. My nightdress hikes up my legs as I try to get comfortable, and I instinctively reach down to cover myself, only to hear him making a playful tsking noise in my mind.

I’m about to see all of you, Amelia.

I shoot him a challenging look, then pull my nightdress higher, revealing more of my thighs. He growls, removes his tunic, and tosses it to the floor. My pulse skitters at the sight of his perfectly sculpted chest, and my mouth goes dry when he removes his pants next.

He’s not wearing any undergarments, and his rigid appendage immediately springs free.

He’s massive. So massive that doubts start to creep into my mind.

What if it doesn’t fit?

I assure you, sweet human, it will fit. Before I claim you, I will make sure your pussy is soaking wet and swollen with need.

Fully naked, he climbs on the bed and leans over me. He pulls me close for a kiss and delves a hand in my hair, holding my head in place while he thrusts his tongue against mine. I whimper into his mouth, eager for more.

If you become nervous or scared at any time, sweet human, please tell me and I will stop at once.

His voice is a comforting presence in my head.

I realize our minds are connected in a way, but just in case the connection falters, you must promise you’ll speak up.

I want you to enjoy this experience. I want you to feel safe with me as I claim you as my mate.

I promise. Quivers reverberate through my body as I await his next move, and anticipation coils in my center, a steady but rapid throbbing sensation that makes it impossible to remain still. I keep pressing my thighs together and squirming on the bed as I yearn for Tristan’s touch.

He withdraws from the kiss and gives me a warm look. Good. Now, shall we get started? I am ravenous to taste the slickness between your thighs.